Ducharme: 'It's important to turn the page'

WINNIPEG - Interim head coach Dominique Ducharme spoke with reporters via Zoom on Tuesday.

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Here are a few highlights from his chat:
Ducharme on the importance of having Stanley Cup winners on the roster:
It was definitely a big help. We can count on guys like Perry, Edmundson, Toffoli, Staal and company. Marc did a good job bringing them here. They can bring a lot in the kinds of moments we just went through against Toronto. Their experience with winning is very important for our group. It was huge for us.

Ducharme on the performance of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Cole Caufield in the first round:
They brought speed and energy. We got here because of the work of our veterans and our youngsters. You can't go far in the playoffs unless everybody contributes. Both the veterans and youngsters responded well to the challenge.
Ducharme on Monday night's flight to Winnipeg after eliminating the Maple Leafs:
We enjoyed the win for a bit. The players were happy and everybody was in a good mood. As soon as we got up this morning, though, we focused on our preparation for the Jets. It's important to turn the page. It's important to enjoy the moment, but also to turn the page and prepare for Game 1 on Wednesday.

Ducharme on what he learned about his team after assuming his new role behind the bench on February 25:
It's a completely different situation. Marc did great work. He brought a lot of experienced guys on board. We learned to win together. Obviously, we know each other better as a group today. That allows us to face this challenge. We like the situation we're in. It's very different than February 25. A lot of things have happened since then. We had a lot of challenges ahead of us.
Ducharme on the Jets:
They're a good hockey team. They're solid up front. They have lines that can deliver offense and energy. They have good variety on defense and a good goaltender too. It will be a good challenge. We'll be ready when the series starts.